What a weekend!!!!

We kicked off Saturday dancing at a community outreach event sponsored by Cedar Crest Cathedral CME & Words of Faith Missionary Baptist Churches. It was awesome; those in need were fed & provided for. Carmina Barnett of Heaven 97 greeted us with friendly hugs as soon as we made it in, and our Gospel family - The Mimes of Miracles & Xsedus - were on hand to bring in the praise with us. Not easy to dance in the mist of a room filled with hungry, eating people, but once the music began we got their attention. Thank you, Lord.

Next stop: May Faiths, One Nation Peace Concert hosted by Munger Place Methodist Church. What a joyful experience, with the church bringing together people of varying faiths, backgrounds & ethnicites for unity & peace. It was something we will never forget. 

Sunday, was the South Dallas Dance Festival.

All I can say is WOW. The girls danced so beautifully; with new members blending in with the old I was amazed at how seamless everything went.

 

This week is another jam packed one for us. It;s what we asked for.

God is opening many doors for us.

And when the blessings start to flow....it just doesn't stop!

 

It's pretty quiet here in the office today.

The volume has been turned down on our ususal loud & rambunctious corporate barnyard. I am not sure if it's a blanket of disappointment or uncertainty. Maybe the late night affected our communication skills. It could be plain, old-fashioned workload. Smiles are pleasantly forced; most conversations are muted and mumbled, accented by the occasional quick glance over the shoulder.

We have a new president.

No matter who we cast our vote for, today I am so proud. Because I saw America, the beautiful country that I've grown up in, pull together to transcend the boundaries of race (and even gender) as we look to pull ourselves out of a hole that we've all been thrown into. Wow. It's an amazing thing to see.

Funny thing is, last night's election reminds me of neighborsgo: a place where we can just be ourselves.

And Ourselves is looking pretty good right now.....

 

Tomorrow, we travel to DeSoto to minister at the LFBC Jam-4-Jesus, and Sunday we minister at Pathway of Life's Back To School Giveaway.

Whew! We are working hard, but the ladies are in top form.

This month, we are featured in Epitome Magazine. What a blessing!

Only one week left until our college bound divas take flight. We miss them already.....

Last night's practice was AWESOME! I am so proud & pleased with the girls. They stepped it up 150% in preparation for tonight's appearance at Pathway of Life for Vacation Bible School; I couldn't ask for more.

Logistically, I am hoping everything turns out fine. It's not easy to dance with pillows without tripping all over them when put them on the floor, you know? But it's so much fun. And at least of we land on the floor, we have a cushion to break the fall. To top it off, not one person took a nap this time when we laid on the floor with our comfy headrests (LOL).

We finished learning the choreography  for Marvin Sapp's "Never Would Have Made It" as well. I am stoked. We don't usually dance to such popular songs that every other group might be ministering, but this one in particular is the absolute most powerful I've heard in a long time, and folk keep requesting it. Got to give the people what they ask for, right?

Such an exciting & busy time for us.
Maybe I can catch a few zzz's under my desk before tonight. Hmmm....I've got some planning to do!

And here we go!

Cedrick received confirmation from a church in Mesquite requesting that we bring "UpLoaded: How Safe Is Your Child?" to the house. I am elated. The girls have been waiting to run our dance drama again after a successful spring premiere in DeSoto.

This time is different, as new members have joined OSP since April. It's been exciting to gel our styles, ideas and nuances together as we've begun to travel as one group; one voice. Now casting is underway for three teen actresses that can pull this off in a short amount of time - Aug 16th is the date to save. This story about internet predators is so relevant & important right now no one should miss it. And as always, it's family friendly and something everyone can enjoy.

Rehearsals begin tonight. I'm still a bit tired from last week's conference (where I spoke and the girls danced) but we can rock this. God's got it, right?

This week, we dance at a church anniversary. Next week, we have off - sort of - as we prepare for the big girl's conference rolling into Dallas at the Doubletree. Whew! Where are the vitamins?

 

Anyone got a hard hat I can borrow???

As the middle of summer reminds me that the end of summer looms near, I have that uneasy feeling kids have after being drenched in leisurely fun, only to have dreams of forever lazy days be demolished by the arrival of the next school year in August. Not because I'll be enrolling in any of our fine educational institutions myself, but because the end of summer takes two of OSP's angels with it: Quita & Taryn.

Reconstruction begins.

So I am tasked with replacing the irreplaceable. To know this dance ministry, you'd know that we are individuals. Each one unique, but gelling beautifully together on the dance floor. While we can't replace these awesome young ladies, we are adding to the bunch of crazy talented, delightful youth we've been blessed with. And I'm excited. Why? So glad you asked...

We're preparing for another run of "UpLoaded: How Safe is Your Child?" our dance drama about internet predators which was well received, and increasingly requested for us to bring back to the stage. I'll keep you posted on our progress.

We've joined together with Girls Living Life On Purpose, for the Girls Empowerment Conference next month at the Doubletree Hotel. This conference boasts a number of awesome speakers, gospel artists, and of course - OSP. But I am in the clouds that the keynote speaker is CeeCee Michaela  - Yvonne from my show Girlfriends. I can't wait to hear her drop some knowledge.

GLLOP is a dynamic youth mentoring program specifically designed for girls to help them through life's struggles, peer pressure, at-risk potential, or second chances. This organization helps keep the girls off the streets and reduces the risk of teen pregnancy, potential for entering the revolving door of juvenile facilities or losing their way.

We are also in talks to make appearances at a number of upcoming events, not to mention God opening the door for me to teach at metroplex dance workshops. This is a truly exciting time for OSP.

So while we prepare ourselves to see off two of our own very special family members, I am elated to see what's in store. Ordered Steps' star is rising, and we hope to see you come with us!

June was such a busy month for OSP. Whew! Amazingly, we're still standing.
God's grace is real....

First stop, St. Paul AME. Though they had no air when we went to minister,
the youth musical was AWESOME & the girls truly enjoyed themselves. In true
Texas fashion, soothing Popsicles were distributed to all of the guests. We
needed that. (But I needed that chocolate cake even more).

Next, we had two Juneteenth celebrations in one week. Newborn Missionary
Baptist Church of DeSoto was so welcoming, we just loved them! "Lord You're
Holy" by Karen Wheaton was a fitting presentation for this ministry. They
really seemed blessed by what we brought forth. And they served us the BEST
spaghetti dinners afterwords. Food....the quickest way to an OSP heart.

Trinity Christian Worship Center was off da chain. (Do kids still say
that?) So many dance ministries & mimes were present, and the praise was
high. The Trinity Christian Angels are some bad girls in the Spirit; love
watching them. And our brother/sister ministry, Mimes of Miracles tore the
roof off the church. One of the nicest pastors & first ladies you'll ever
meet. We definitely hope to go back.

Pathway of Life Sunday Service: Cedrick & my church home. Seriously,
Pleasant Grove, Mesquite, etc. Do not sleep on Pastor Danny Wegman (and
lovely wife Norma) who is one of the baddest teachers on the planet. Pastor
Kelly James, Minister of Music - he does not play. His awesome gift takes
the service to a whole other level. The crazy talented musicians, the
multicultural congregation, friendly atmosphere. You can't beat it. They
made our job easier. We love them so much. OSP ministered harder than ever.
And the lift that missed continuously throughout practice came off without
a hitch. (Thanks for getting it right, ladies). I didn't want to have to be
resurrected that day in front of the 1500+ audience!

There was a true move of the Holy Spirit at the Godly Exchange Conference.
Wow, every speaker that week was spot on, and OSP was in serious mode.
Prophetess Mitchell had a gem in her hands. It was such an honor to be a
part of it. The funniest part - all of us learning a VERY FAST paced dance
for Saturday evening service. And you know what? Even through we ministered
multiple times on multiple days, OSP showed out with high energy.  God
seriously moved on our behalf.

Through the last weeks, we've made many contacts & taken steps in a
positive direction. It's good that so many people are requesting that we
share our gifts; a true blessing indeed.

Next, we rest. Just until next weekend, when we minister at the Knowledge
Igniting Power Dance Conference. I am excited about that one, too. July is
another busy month.

OSP really is on the move!

Happy Fourth of July Cyber Family!

To everyone who's ever felt like they weren't good enough
To everyone who's felt pressure to be something they aren't
To the ones who have BIG dreams but think it's too little, too late
To the ones who do good deeds for others with no recognition
To the ones worried about bills, food & the price of gas
To the ones who's darn car makes them quite mad
To the ones who are sick or love someone that is sick
To the ones looking for that special someone they have yet to find
To the ones bound by a 9-to-5 in an unstable economy & unappreciative boss
To the ones going day to day, feeling a bit lost
To the one with a bad hair day, clothes day or Me day
To the ones who think no one else cares

For the unwritten book
The unscripted play
Or leisure time delay
For the day of solid peace, or hope drenched in rest
To the everyone on their way....to being the very best!

This is your day to declare INDEPENDENCE & shake off the negativity, squelch the drama and walk in your purpose!
You can do it....who's stopping you? Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning!

Happy Independence day!

I'm going to take a walk now...how about you?

"Blessed be the Lord GOD of Israel from everlasting to everlasting!"
[Psalm 41:13 NKJ]

Good morning!

I thought maybe someone could use this today. Let me know what you think...
                ******

I can't even begin to say just how awesome our God really  is! When we are going through, when the storm seems fashioned to rain down upon only YOU, The Almighty steps in & reminds us why He is truly the King of Kings & Lord of Lords!

Friends, there are so many things that I would like to share with you. Sometimes, it feels like I am going to burst trying to contain it all from week to week because God is always on the move, always working miracles, always a comfort & always a joy!  To Our Father goes all the glory, honor & praise because He alone is worthy! I have to stop right now because just thinking of Him is making jump out of my seat here, and I need to keep my hands on this keyboard.  [This week, I have seen many blessings from GOD.]

Sometimes - okay ALOT  of times - the circumstances surrounding us may not be the very best. And at those times, we may not know how to react in that situation. Whether we are angered, saddened or confused we need an "express" word from GOD to shield us from making detrimental decisions. Believe me when I say....I know.

"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
[Jeremiah 33:3 NIV]

I love this scripture. It's so simple yet so profound. We don't always have the answer. We don't always know where to find it, either. But what better knowledge to receive than that which comes from Our Father? After all, isn't He all-knowing? Worldly knowledge can do so much detriment to the gift of wisdom we receive from the Kingdom that we can't be used. And my, my how wonderful it is to be used by GOD! What better employer can you have?

Have a wonderful day at work, or where ever you are. Lift each other up; don't let anyone get you down.

Keep others in your prayers; sow a seed into someone else, and it will get sown back into you from an unexpected place.
And never forget, if you need a prayer or just a thought, we're all here for you.

Blessings,
cj2

What an AWESOME time we had last night! I'm still pretty tired, so this is a short & sweet one today.

The girls & I traveled to Newborn Missionary Baptist Churchin DeSoto. After a morning where I had to turn faux-chanic when the car stopped on the way to work (after we ran over what seemed to be a huge truck tire), one of those days at the office most compatible to removing excess hair with duct tape & getting lost for over 30 minutes traveling to a ten minute destination, you know I was ready to give God some praise, right?

Can I just say this is one of the friendliest congregations I've encountered in some time? That's saying something, too because last week I fellowshipped with Greater Bethlehem as I helped the children to dance during morning service. And GB is the epitome of hugs & kisses. And Godly love.

Sis. Gwen (who invited us) extended the warmest greetings to the girls & myself. And no - I did not perform the 100 push ups they demanded for my tardiness. Hey - I was lost, ok? I don't even know how we ended up in Cedar Hill on the way.

Anyway, there were awesome singers on the program, the speaker of the hour was phenomenal, & the Pastor was extremely humble & kind. There was a very sweet spirit in the house & we were welcomed with open arms as we danced to "Lord, You're Holy" by Karen Wheaton. A song which any worshipper should check out. Making minor adjustments to accommodate the space, the girls were one again fantastic & ministered with their whole hearts. That's what I'm talking about: praise on fire!

Funny of the evening: the Assistant Pastor commenting how good "those kids were who danced." Thank you, Pastor. I receive that tag of youthfulness from you. It was hilarious when he found out how old I really am & that I am not one of the teens. Hey, that should come in handy when I'm 60, right???

What a time we had. Good old fashioned church. And a hot plate of spaghetti waiting on us following the service. That's the way to reach my girls; straight to the stomach. (Ok - me, too!)

Next up: another Juneteenth celebration on Friday in Mesquite. Then the big conference next week that I am so looking forward to. Wow. Thank you Lord, for so many open doors.

Now, I'll try to get some rest. Until next time, read Psalm 63. It will bless your day.

cj2